Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to retire from international football after the November 2026 international break.
The 41-year-old superstar made the announcement through a social media video, stating that he would hand back Portugal's iconic Number 7 jersey after representing his country for 23 years.
Ronaldo will leave international football as the men's all-time leading international goalscorer and most-capped player.
Important Facts
|
Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Footballer |
Cristiano Ronaldo |
|
Country |
Portugal |
|
Sport |
Football |
|
Retirement Announcement |
5 November 2026 |
|
International Debut |
20 August 2003 |
|
Age |
41 Years |
|
International Appearances |
234 |
|
International Goals |
146 |
|
Jersey Number |
7 |
|
International Career |
23 Years |
|
Retirement Effective |
After November 2026 International Break |
Cristiano Ronaldo's International Career
Cristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed one of the most successful international careers in football history.
His major achievements include:
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234 international appearances for Portugal.
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146 international goals, the highest in men's international football.
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Captained Portugal to its first major international trophy at UEFA Euro 2016.
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Helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
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Holds the world record for the most international appearances and goals in men's football.
Key Highlights of His Retirement Announcement
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Ronaldo announced his decision through a social media video on 5 November 2026.
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He described the decision as emotional and difficult.
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He said that he would hand back the Number 7 shirt after the November international break.
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His international career began in 2003 and spanned 23 years.
-
His retirement marks the end of a remarkable era for Portuguese football.
Important Exam-Relevant Facts
|
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
|
Cristiano Ronaldo belongs to which country? |
Portugal |
|
Which sport is he associated with? |
Football |
|
What is his famous jersey number? |
7 |
|
How many international goals has he scored? |
146 |
|
How many international appearances has he made? |
234 |
|
Which year did Portugal win UEFA Euro? |
2016 |
|
In which years did Portugal win the UEFA Nations League? |
2019 and 2025 |
Quick Revision Points
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Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese footballer.
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He announced his international retirement on 5 November 2026.
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He scored 146 international goals in 234 appearances.
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He made his international debut in 2003.
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He captained Portugal to victory in UEFA Euro 2016.
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He is the men's international football record-holder for appearances and goals.
Important Note: This announcement concerns Ronaldo's retirement from the Portuguese national team, not his retirement from professional club football.